Tag Archives: blessing

Overwhelmed Caregiver: When Spring isn’t so Grand

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Overwhelmed Caregiver: When Spring isn't so GrandSpring is one of my favorite seasons, a time of blessing.  I’ve spent hours watching the birds scurry around to build nests and hunt worms. The world seems to awaken overnight; animals attack every new blade of tender grass as we would a plate of chocolates. It’s a happy time, a great reminder of God’s everlasting care for His creation.

Even the splendor of spring can’t hide our pain!

I recall a particular spring day when my thoughts were not so favorable:
“Little Robin with your head held so high, do you know my heart is breaking? You strut proudly and sing … chirping along, grabbing a bug to eat as you go. I’m almost mad at you for being so happy! Doesn’t the whole world need to stop and feel my pain … Some would say you’re here to cheer me up. Well, sorry little birdie, it’s not working!”

Feeling overwhelmed as a caregiver, mother, friend, is inevitable.

I had been watching Mother lay in a hospital bed for days, wondering each day if it would be her last breath. Her window opened to beautiful, flower laden lawns filled with cheerful little robins. My feelings stormed inside; I wanted to chase the birds away, to cry, to scream, to do something to let the world know my heart was breaking inside. Making it doubly hard was memories of Mother and I often rejoicing together at God’s creation and enjoying the beautiful robins at play.

There is help and there is hope.

There are times when we all feel overwhelmed with circumstances around us. I deal with some of those thoughts in My Mother My Child  in the chapter called “Going Home”. It was difficult to live through; hard to write, but important to share.

One of the greatest helps I have found is simply a listening ear. I hope you have someone you trust to share your feelings with. When I cared for Mother, I often felt so alone. I did not realize so much of what was happening with her was a natural part of aging, and yes, of dying. If you care for anyone at all, find some support; you need it and so do those in your care.

Psalm 40:1 says it best: “I waited patiently for God to help me; then he listened and heard my cry.”

Hugs,

My Mother My Child will make a thoughtful gift book for all ages. I am grateful for  testimonies from young and older who have been helped and encouraged.

Finding Balance and Counting Blessings

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Although tiring and often challenging, most days of caregiving are filled with rewards and blessings. There are times, however, when the stress and routine of the job seem to win.

Can you relate? The most menial tasks have suddenly become overwhelming. It has been a major struggle to care for yourself let alone others. Grumbling and complaining have taken your music and robbed you of your joy.

The concerns you are dealing with may be serious with no clear answers in sight. Faithful helpers have suddenly dropped out of circulation and you are left alone.

Adding to the stress, your long-awaited one-day outing has just been canceled due to an unexpected storm in the forecast.

Perhaps you are trying to make better menu choices for yourself, family and all in your care. However, today you are starving and there is no relief in sight! 

Now what? How do you pull out of such a deep pit and back into circulation? How do we escape?  

When I have times like that, all my helpers could show up at one time and I’d still be in the pit. I could eat the refrigerator and all its contents and still be starving. I know food is not the answer to my dilemma.

Recently I have found the Serenity Prayer to be a welcome reminder – I am not alone.

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change.  Are there things in my life right now I need to accept, deal with, and move on? The Lord will give the strength and peace I need if I ask.

… courage to change the things I can. What actions could I take to make my work run smoother? Do I need to accept help from others? Are there changes in the way I do things that would help? Could I use my time more wisely?

… wisdom to know the difference. God in heaven knows what is best for me. If I am to go through trials, He is there to comfort and to guide. If He desires change in my life, He will provide it as I yield to His will.

 This thought from Colossians helps put my day in perspective:  “Whatever may be your task, work at it heartily (from the soul), as [something done] for the Lord and not for men.”

As you serve others, I pray for you days of health, sunshine, and love.

Hugs,

Be sure to sign up for the newsletter and do let me know how things are in your world today. I care.

Making Resolutions that Count

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Making Resolutions that Count

my deer

A new year’s arrival means time for our family to evaluate and plan. We make resolutions, and often fail in the first week to keep them. We look back and wonder where time went and what we did worthwhile. Seems if we can’t list grand things accomplished, we  feel we failed altogether.

I received a note from today reminding me it’s not the big “important” things that are significant, it’s the day-to-day tasks we do for others that are priceless. A caring daughter wrote:

“Mother is 90 and definitely a trooper. I felt so helpless in helping her with her leg cramps from low potassium. I massaged and covered them with warmed blankets. I know you can relate to sitting up all night in a hospital room chair!”

Yes, I can relate to those seemingly endless days and nights. And so can some of you. Many of my readers are caring for at least one person now. I want you to know, caring for and loving others is the most important thing you can ever do.

Today I learned a former classmate died last night, that makes four in the past two years, and we are not that old! I planned to visit through the years, at least correspond more, but there seemed never enough time.

I am resolved to care more this year; to listen more earnestly; to pray more faithfully for others; and to regularly call or send notes to those who need encouragement.

A lady in her 90’s calls each month to let me know she gets our latest ministry newsletter and that she read it all and prayed for each need. When we miss her call,  she leaves a sweet message. I’m calling her tomorrow, just to let her know what a blessing she is to us.

Do you have people in your life that have been a blessing to you? Do you know others who could use a blessing about now? It’s near zero here today and will be tomorrow; I wonder how many people living alone could use a call from me just to cheer them and help shorten their day by giving them some encouragement?

Today I put my note cards, pens, stamps, and address book on my desk and plan to use them every week. How about you?

Hugs,

Be sure you are signed up for my newsletter (pretty box in the top right hand corner) as I have exciting, encouraging things to share in the weeks to come. Let me hear from you soon. Thanks.

P.S. Did you find the two beautiful deer in the photo? They were enjoying the brush we left for them this year. Photo taken from my kitchen window. I thank God for His blessings everyday!